Bergen County Parks

Bergen County is home to a vast network of parks that offer something for everyone. With over 9,000 acres of parks to choose from, it’s easy to find a place to get outside and enjoy the beauty of nature. From hiking and biking trails to playgrounds and sports fields, there’s something for everyone in these parks.

One of the most popular parks in Bergen County is Van Saun County Park. Located in Paramus, this park boasts a wide variety of amenities including a zoo, a carousel, a train ride, and several playgrounds. There are also hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, and a large lake where visitors can fish or rent boats.

Another great park in the county is Overpeck County Park. This park is located in Leonia and Palisades Park and features over 800 acres of open space. There are several sports fields and courts, as well as a golf course, a skate park, and several playgrounds. There are also miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as a nature center and a dog park.

For those looking to get out on the water, the county is home to several parks with boating and fishing opportunities. One such park is Saddle River County Park, which has a large pond where visitors can fish or rent boats. There are also several miles of trails for hiking and biking, as well as a playground and picnic areas.

Bergen County is also home to several parks that are perfect for a quiet walk or a leisurely picnic. One such park is the James A. McFaul Environmental Center, which is located in Wyckoff. This park features a nature center, a small pond, and several hiking trails. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Van Saun County Park

Van Saun has long been a crown jewel of the Bergen County Parks System and a favorite of many local residents because of the many offerings, the beauty of the land, and the opportunities for all ages.  Van Saun County Park is home to the Bergen County Zoological Park which is a nationally accredited zoo featuring bison, monkeys, mountains lions, turtles, and a myriad of other animals for families to enjoy year round.  There are programs for children run by the Friends of the Bergen County Zoo to teach children about the park, specific animals, and endangered species.  They also host Zoo Boo around Halloween time which is always a sell out and loads of fun for the whole family.  The zoo does charge a fee to enter  but has discounts for county residents.  Check the zoo website at http://www.co.bergen.nj.us/437/Bergen-County-Zoo to get hours and fees.  there are also yearly memberships that are available that come with special member events.

But the park is not just a zoo but a 146 acre oasis of fields, walking trails, sledding hills, gardens, carousel, pony rides, train rides, playgrounds, dog park, Washington Springs, and Walden Pond.  The pony rides, train ride, and carousel are provided with a fee which can be found on the zoo website.

There are also special events run at the park at different parts of the year.  Recently the county unveiled the Winter Wonderland event during December and January that had skating rinks, food trucks and a beer garden.  It has been attended by thousands and looks like an event that many will mark on the calendar for years to come.

Overpeck County Park

Map of Overpeck County Park

Overpeck County Park is the result of years of planning that turned land that was once contaminated into the pride of the county parks system.  The park encompasses 805 acres across Englewood, Leonia, Palisades Park, Ridgefield Park and Teaneck and truly is a park for everyone.  The list of amenities is quite long but includes canoe launch, playgrounds, amphitheatre, football/soccer stadium, and much much more.  See a more complete list of amenities below.

Overpeck County Park plays host to many events during the year including food truck events, Bergen County Irish Festival, Movies in the Park, Terrific Thursdays Summer Concert Series, and many more scheduled throughout the year.  The events schedule and more information can be found on the Overpeck County Park Facebook Page so be sure to Like the page and check back for updates.

Overpeck County Park Amenities

Some of these facilities require a permit so please consult the County before planning your trip.

• Palisades Park Sportsplex
  • Football/soccer stadium
  • Athletic fields including little league, softball, challenger, field events
  • playground
  • running track
• Ridgefield Park Area
  • Playground
  • walking/running paths
  • observation deck
  • dock
  • 3,000 seat amphitheatre
  • athletic fields including open field, softball, baseball, artificial turf soccer, tennis courts
  • 2 concession areas
• Henry Hoebel Area
  • athletic fields including baseball/softball, football, soccer, running track, and field events
  • tennis courts
  • basketball courts
  • fitness center
  • nature trails
  • fishing
  • World Trade Center Memorial
• Bergen County Equestrian Center
  • indoor and outdoor riding areas
  • lessons available

Campgaw Mountain Reservation

Some of these facilities require a permit so please consult the County before planning your trip.

Map of Campgaw Mountain Reservation Trails

Map of Campgaw Mountain Reservation Campgrounds

Campgaw Mountain Reservation is an outdoor lover’s paradise and is the perfect spot for an outing year round due to the facilities offered and natural beauty.  From archery to skiing to hiking to fishing and camping Campgaw is a somewhat underutilized park that you have to visit to appreciate.  Covering 1,373 wooded acres in northern Bergen County it is certainly not a one day trip.  Most will know Campgaw for it’s skiing at Campgaw Mountain offering skiing and snow tubing to delight both beginners and intermediate riders.  Visit the mountain’s website and/or Facebook page to learn more.  But that is just the tip of the iceberg!  You can also enjoy disc golf, fishing, or just a nice picnic on a sunny day.

Darlington County Park

Looking for a place to swim in the summer and don’t want to join the town pool?  Darlington County Park in Mahwah is the place for you with its two swimming lakes that are open daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day.  Fees do apply but you can’t beat the convenience at darlington.  Is fishing your game?  With a valid NJ Fishing License you can catch and release at the 3rd Darlington Lake!

Darlington County Park also features basketball, tennis, and handball courts, walking/jogging paths, picnic areas, playgrounds, and a chance to experience the Bertgen County wildlife.

Please check the county website for any fees associated with Darlington programs.

JA McFaul Environmental Center

JA McFaul may have the longest history of the county parks as it started as a pig farm!  In 1962 the county purchased the property and founded the center in 1967.  Over the years the pond was excavated, parking areas were added along with animal shelters.  This truly is a beautiful place to spend a lazy afternoon due to the walking paths, beautiful lake, mini zoo area with learning center, and gazebos.  The park is named after long time Bergen County Parks executive James A McFaul.  This park is nestled on 81 acres in Wyckoff and should not be missed!

Saddle River County Park

Saddle River County Park is a bicyclists dream park with a bout 6 riding paths along brooks, historic sites, wooded areas, and more.  The paths winds its way through 6 county towns: Rochelle Park, Saddle Brook, Paramus, Fair Lawn, Glen Rock, and Ridgewood.  Of course the park is not just for bikes as you will see below all of the features of thgis Bergen County gem.  You won’t want to miss the waterfalls, athletic fields, Historic Easton Tower, and all that saddle River Park has to offer.

Rochelle Park Area

Amenities include:

• Picnic areas
• Pavillion with electric (permit required)
• Tennis and basketball courts
• playground – ADA accessible
• Softball field

Otto C Pehle Area

Amenities include:

• Fishing (NJ Fishing License Required)
• Picnic Areas
• Pavillion (permit required)
• Yizhak Rabin Tree Grove
• Model boating (permit required)
• Softball and baseball fields
• Playground

Dunkerhook Area

Amenities Include:

• Easton Tower (Bergen County Historic Site)
• Fishing (NJ State Fishing License Required)
• Playground
• Picnic Areas
• Tennis Courts
• Ball fields

Glen Rock Area

Amenties Include:

• Picnic Areas
• Ice Skating
• tennis Courts
• Playground
• Model Boating (permit required)
• Fishing (NJ State Fishing License required)

Wild Duck Pond Area

Amenities include:

• Off leash dog park area
• Fishing (NJ Fishing License required)
• Picninc Area
• Model boating (permit required)
• playground (ADA accessible)

Wood Dale County Park

Wood Dale County Park is a great place for a walk or jog due to the ample walklking paths and beautiful views of the lake.  With 118 acres its is obviously not just for a walk.  Come visit for a picnic, a game of tennis, model boating, fishing(permit required), a day at the playground.  They even have an off leash area for dogs to play and meet new friends!

Dog Parks in Bergen County

Dog Parks have been gaining more and more popularity lately and are becoming the go to destination for dog owners.  They provide a safe off leash area for dogs to play and interact with other dogs.  Typically there are areas for small dogs and large dogs to ensure the dog’s safety and enjoyment.  Below are some parks in Bergen County that offer off leash areas.

• Sam Nelson County Park – Rose Street Wallington
• Joseph A. Carucci Jr Area – Riverside County Park, Riverside Ave Lyndhurst
• Wooddale County Park – Prospect Ave Woodland Park
• Henry Hoebel Area – Overpeck County Park, Fort Lee Rd Leonia
• Wild Duck Pond Area – Saddle River County Park, Ridgewood
• Van Saun County Park – Continental Ave, Ridgewood